Solana (SOL) is back in the spotlight after a notable 7% price jump, crossing the $151 mark and pushing its market capitalization above $80 billion. This surge comes amid growing optimism that a Solana exchange-traded fund (ETF) could soon receive regulatory approval in the United States, a development that would place SOL alongside Bitcoin and Ethereum in the ETF arena .
ETF Momentum and Staking Speculation
The latest rally was sparked by a tweet from Anthony Scaramucci, founder of SkyBridge Capital, who hinted that a Solana ETF approval could be imminent. Notably, Scaramucci suggested that the ETF might include staking rewards—a feature that would allow investors to earn passive income by participating in the network’s security and operations. This possibility has generated significant buzz, as staking is a core aspect of Solana’s value proposition and could make the ETF especially attractive to both retail and institutional investors.
Institutional Interest and Regulatory Landscape
Institutional momentum is building, with several asset managers—including Grayscale, 21Shares, Bitwise, and VanEck—filing or amending applications for a spot Solana ETF . The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has acknowledged these filings, and prediction markets now assign a 76% to 91% probability that a Solana ETF will be approved in 2025 . While the SEC recently extended its decision deadline to late July 2025, the rising approval odds reflect growing confidence among market participants .
Why Solana?
Solana’s appeal lies in its high-speed, low-cost blockchain infrastructure, which continues to attract developers and investors. With over 534 million SOL tokens in circulation, the network’s robust ecosystem and active community support have helped it weather previous market downturns. The potential for a staking-inclusive ETF further differentiates Solana from other crypto assets, offering a unique value proposition for traditional investors seeking exposure to blockchain-based passive income.
Market Impact and Outlook
The anticipation of a Solana ETF has not only driven up SOL’s price but also shifted attention away from competitors like XRP, whose ETF approval odds have recently declined. Analysts believe that if approved, a Solana ETF could accelerate mainstream adoption and bring the asset closer to Ethereum level of institutional recognition and market reach .
